Author: Press Room
Latvia is ramping up its defence measures in response to a potential Russian invasion, with security taking centre stage at this year’s Riga Conference. ADVERTISEMENTNearly 1,000 days after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Latvia remains on high alert. The Baltic nation, home to nearly two million people, shares a 300-kilometre border with Russia, making security and self-defence the country’s top priority.The concerns are also at the forefront of this year’s Riga Conference which focuses on on foreign policy and security. Jānis Karlsbergs, chairman of the defence-focused NGO Latvian Transatlantic Organisation, said outside the annual forum that “Russia is trying to…
Agencies in Timaru have swung into gear to support the hundreds of workers who have lost their jobs as Alliance Group confirmed the closure of its Smithfield meat processing plant later this year. Staff were told of the final decision yesterday morning, following a consultation period. Chief executive Willie Wiese said the decision was made “with a heavy heart”. While the 600 affected staff would be offered the opportunity to apply for redeployment at Alliance’s other processing plants wherever possible, the decision meant the “vast majority” of employees would be made redundant. “Our thoughts are with our people and their…
A French national who was missing in the Auckland CBD has been found, police said this morning.The 48-year-old had last been seen by his family at a hotel on Wednesday evening.A police spokesperson said he had been “located safe and well”.”Police would like to thank those members of the public who provided information, which assisted in locating him.”
A New Zealand sushi retailer says it is “stoked” to be opening its first store in Dunedin after a decade of searching for the right spot. Family-run sushi business St Pierres is expected to open its first store in Dunedin, at the corner of Andersons Bay and Bay View Rds, on November 6. Both the “St Pierres presents Sushi of Japan” and “Bento Bowl by St Pierres” brands would be sold at the store — the latter being available from early next year, St Pierres co-founder and property director Costa Katsoulis said. He was expecting a big crowd to attend…
A second man has been charged with murder after a man was found injured on a Waikato road and later died earlier this week.Police said the 43-year-old man was found critically injured early on Monday morning on Hampton Downs Rd, near Whangamarino.He was taken to Auckland Hospital where he later died.Detective Senior Sergeant Kristine Clarke said a 42-year-old man was arrested in Auckland today.”Police continue to make inquiries and cannot rule out further arrests and charges.”The man was found on Hampton Downs Rd near Whangamarino, police said. (Source: 1News)Clarke also said police would like to hear from anyone travelling on…
A former staff member at St Bede’s College in Christchurch has been charged over alleged historical sexual offending against students who boarded at the school. The man faces four charges of indecent assault on a boy between 12 and 16 and three charges of indecent assault on a man/boy over 16. The charges relate to three individuals who boarded at the school around two decades ago. He is due to appear in the Christchurch District Court on November 5.In a statement, Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons said investigators believe the man targeted those boarding at the school during the time…
Two park benches at a popular sports park in south Auckland will be removed after complaints of anti-social behaviour.According to the Manurewa Local Board meeting report on Thursday, complaints about the Randwick Park benches were received from nearby residents.The anti-social behaviour came from seating situated opposite Magic Way.”Complainants allege that the seats attract undesirable visitors who have been observed performing indecent acts, loitering and objects being thrown into the roadway,” the report said.There was limited detail on the exact nature of the acts and behaviour beyond what was shared in the report.”Indecent acts, loitering, things thrown into the roadway were…
Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the biggest challenger of President Alexander Lukashenko, talked to Euronews about her fight for a free Belarus from exile. ADVERTISEMENTBelarusian President Alexander Lukashenko dismissed her as a “housewife,” but when the Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya entered the race for the presidency in 2020, she became his greatest challenge. Now that she is in exile, she continues her fight for a free, democratic Belarus. When Euronews met her in Berlin, her strong personality and her longing for her homeland immediately came to the fore.“I miss everything. I miss my apartment, which had been confiscated. That…
A man was taken to hospital in a serious condition this morning following a workplace incident in Christchurch.Emergency services were called to the site at around 8.17am on Branston Street in Hornby South.Hato Hone St John responded with one ambulance and one operations manager.”One person has been taken to Christchurch Hospital in a serious condition,” St John said.WorkSafe said it had been notified and was making initial inquiries.
German politicians are overall pessimistic about the prospect of Trump returning to the White House, remembering past clashes as they look to the future in supporting Ukraine. ADVERTISEMENTUS President Joe Biden landed in Berlin on Thursday evening for a brief visit to celebrate transatlantic solidarity and discuss how Western leaders can help support Ukraine against Russia. His visit will be his last in office. With the US election weeks away, and the race extremely tight, the possibility of former president Donald Trump winning threatens to alter US foreign policy and the relationships Biden is in Berlin trying to maintain. German…